Tower running

Tower running up the ‘walkie-talkie’: like a fell race but with concrete.

The Step Up 3,2,1 challenge involves scaling 71 stories of landmark London real estate, with a summit finish in the Sky Garden of one of the capital’s newest architectural icons, explains the Guardian’s Nick Mead.

We hugged tight to the north bank of the River Thames as we headed towards our final 160-metre climb, the bullying bulk of 20 Fenchurch Street (AKA the walkie-talkie) looming as a constant reminder of the challenge to come. It was almost reminiscent of a fell race – just with a lot more concrete.

A runner flying up the event’s 1,672 steps. Photograph: Mencap

The Step Up 3,2,1 challenge, (the 2015 race took place earlier this month), in aid of learning disability charity Mencap, gives runners a chance to climb three London towers. First up is the 27-storey Portland House in Victoria; followed by a 1.5-mile dash to 5 Strand (a mere eight floors). A lovely 2.5-mile run along the Thames Path – the riverside route I wish the London marathon could take – brings you to the foot of the capital’s newest and most imposing skyscraper. Then it’s just 36-storeys between you and a glass of champagne in the Sky Garden on the summit of the walkie-talkie.